~ Massimo ~
Clark opened his mouth to speak, his throat working visibly as he tried to find the right words to explain the disaster, but I held up a my hand, cutting him off.
"Bring me a drink," I said flatly.
Clark's face went a deep, mottled red, and he leaped to his feet so fast his chair screeched against the hardwood floor.
He looked horrified, his eyes darting around the room as if he'd just realized he had committed a taboo.
"I... I am so sorry, Mr. Valentino," he stammered, his hands fluttering nervously. "Please, forgive my poor hospitality, I should have offered the moment you stepped inside. My deepest apologies, sir."
I watched him steadily without saying a word, letting the silence settle over him like a weight.
The longer I stayed quiet, the more he reddened, the sweat beginning to bead on his forehead despite the air-conditioned chill of the office.
He scurried over to the private bar in the corner of the room, his movements jerky and panicked.
